A Ride Back From School Cost This 15-Year-Old His Class 10 Exams

Balaji is class 10 student of Kongu Vidhyalaya Matric School in Erode. Just months away from his board exams, Balaji was hustling through his schedule. He split his 24 hours into 6 subjects, his only aim to score big in his boards. But on February 11, his life was steered into an unexpected struggle.

When A Cycle Ride From School Ended Up In Brain Damage

Balaji was heading home after a long day in school. It takes him not more than 10 minutes to cycle from his school to home. But those 10 minutes on February 11 might have been the longest Gauri has ever waited for her son. “It was already past 12.30. I thought he must have stopped by the market to pick up some stationery. Sometimes, he even spends an hour or so in library. But he never missed informing me if he was planning to stay back. But that day I waited by the gate and kept hoping he would come back,” said Gauri fighting her tears.

When Balaji was cycling home, he felt dizzy and hit his head on the cycle handle. The impact caused severe brain trauma. “My husband was coming home for lunch and saw our son collapsed on the road. We rushed him to Sudha Hospital and the doctors took him for a urgent brain surgery. I was not aware of the extent of his injury but my heart sank when they told us he needs brain surgery,” said Gauri recalling those 4 long hours that afternoon.

The doctors at Sudha Hospital confirmed that the trauma of the fall had caused a life-threatening blood clot in his brain. They operated upon him to avoid severe damage to the brain. But Balaji required constant monitoring and best medical support given the severity of the case. So, the parents moved him to PSG Hospital in Coimbatore.

For close to two months, Balaji has been fighting for his life. His parents are trying to keep up with the demands of the treatment. Having spent over 6 lakhs, the family's savings have dried up.

Piling Medical Bills And A Single Income Of 18000 Might Cost Balaji His Crucial Treatment

Balaji’s father, Sriram works in a small marketing firm in Erode and earns only Rs 18,000. He has been working long odd hours to make every penny. “My husband had to go back to work. We need the money for our son. He comes to Coimbatore on weekends to see Balaji. It has been hard for us but we are willing to do anything to save our son,” Gauri’s eyes well up as she looks at her young son plugged with needles and wires, “Two months ago he was fighting to score a distinction in boards and here he is today fighting for his life.”

How can you help?

Balaji is just 15-years-old and has a whole life ahead of him. He is showing signs of recovery and the doctors believe he is close to getting better. His resilience through the treatment is proof enough that he is a fighter.

Sriram earns Rs 18,000 a month. His wife is taking care of Balaji in Coimbatore. His income is barely enough to cover his son’s everyday antibiotics. Medical expenses since February have already been a struggle. It's not easy for a parent to see his child fight complications this grave. Your support will save his 15 year old son. Please contribute now and save Balaji.